10461885

Transmission Apparatus, Communication System, and Transmission Method

PublishedOctober 29, 2019
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
19 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A transmission apparatus, comprising: a communication circuitry configured to transmit a signal to a reception apparatus via a first signal line, the reception apparatus being AC-coupled to the transmission apparatus via the first signal line, and transmit a first control signal to the reception apparatus via a second signal line that is different than the first signal line; and a communication control circuitry configured to control transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus, determine whether the transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus will be restored from a suspended state, responsive to determining that the transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus will be restored from the suspended state, control the communication circuitry to transmit the first control signal via the second signal line, and control the communication circuitry to transmit a charging signal that charges an AC coupling capacitance serially connected to the first signal line via the first signal line before a timing when the transmission of the first control signal is ended.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data transmission systems and addresses the problem of reliably restoring data transmission from a suspended state in AC-coupled systems. The transmission apparatus includes communication circuitry and communication control circuitry. The communication circuitry transmits data signals to a reception apparatus over a first signal line. The reception apparatus is AC-coupled to the transmission apparatus via this first signal line, meaning a capacitor is used to block DC components. The communication circuitry also transmits a first control signal to the reception apparatus via a separate, second signal line. The communication control circuitry manages the transmission of the data signal. It determines when the data signal transmission will resume from a suspended state. Upon determining that transmission will be restored, the communication control circuitry instructs the communication circuitry to send the first control signal via the second signal line. Crucially, before the first control signal transmission concludes, it also directs the communication circuitry to transmit a charging signal over the first signal line. This charging signal is used to charge the AC coupling capacitance that is serially connected to the first signal line. This pre-charging step ensures the AC coupling is ready for the subsequent data signal transmission.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication control circuitry is further configured to control the communication circuitry to transmit a second control signal via the first signal line before the communication control circuitry controls the communication circuitry to suspend the transmission of the signal via the first signal line.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for managing signal transmission in a communication system, particularly in scenarios where signal suspension is required. The apparatus includes communication circuitry for transmitting signals over a first signal line and communication control circuitry for managing the transmission process. The communication control circuitry is configured to control the communication circuitry to transmit a second control signal via the first signal line before suspending the transmission of the signal. This ensures proper signaling and synchronization before the suspension occurs, preventing data loss or communication errors. The apparatus may also include a first signal line for transmitting signals and a second signal line for receiving signals, with the communication control circuitry managing the timing and coordination between these lines. The invention addresses the need for reliable signal suspension in communication systems, ensuring that control signals are properly transmitted before suspension to maintain system integrity and prevent disruptions. The apparatus may be part of a larger communication system, such as a network device or a data transmission module, where precise control over signal transmission is critical. The invention improves communication reliability by ensuring that control signals are transmitted before suspension, reducing the risk of errors or data loss during the suspension process.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The transmission apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus is in accordance with an Embedded DisplayPort standard, the first control signal is an AUX_PHY_WAKE signal, and the second control signal is one of an ML_PHY_SLEEP signal or an ML_PHY_STANDBY signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for communicating with a reception apparatus, particularly in systems adhering to the Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) standard. The apparatus includes a signal transmission unit that sends a signal to the reception apparatus and a control unit that generates first and second control signals to manage power states. The first control signal, an AUX_PHY_WAKE signal, activates the physical layer of the auxiliary channel, enabling communication. The second control signal, either an ML_PHY_SLEEP or ML_PHY_STANDBY signal, transitions the main link physical layer into a low-power state or standby mode, respectively, to conserve energy when not in active use. The control unit ensures proper sequencing of these signals to maintain stable operation while optimizing power efficiency. This design addresses the need for efficient power management in display interfaces, particularly in portable or battery-powered devices where minimizing energy consumption is critical. The apparatus supports dynamic adjustments between active and low-power states, enhancing performance without compromising reliability.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication control circuitry is further configured to control the communication circuitry to transmit the first control signal and the charging signal at approximately the same time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for wireless power transfer, addressing the challenge of efficiently coordinating power transmission and control signaling in wireless charging systems. The apparatus includes communication circuitry for transmitting and receiving signals, and communication control circuitry for managing these transmissions. The communication control circuitry is configured to control the communication circuitry to transmit a first control signal and a charging signal simultaneously or at approximately the same time. This synchronization ensures that power transfer and control information are transmitted without interference, improving the efficiency and reliability of wireless charging operations. The apparatus may also include power transmission circuitry for generating the charging signal, which is transmitted via a transmission coil. The communication control circuitry may further manage the timing and modulation of the control signal to ensure proper synchronization with the charging signal. This design is particularly useful in systems where precise coordination between power delivery and control signaling is critical, such as in inductive charging applications. The simultaneous transmission of control and power signals reduces latency and improves system responsiveness, making the apparatus suitable for applications requiring fast and reliable wireless power transfer.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication control circuitry is further configured to control the communication circuitry to transmit the charging signal before a first predetermined time to a start the transmission of the first control signal or after a second predetermined time from the start of the transmission of the first control signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless power transmission systems, specifically addressing the timing of charging signal transmission to optimize power transfer efficiency and device compatibility. The apparatus includes communication circuitry for transmitting and receiving control signals and charging circuitry for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving device. The communication control circuitry manages the timing of the charging signal relative to the transmission of a first control signal, which may include synchronization or authentication data. To ensure reliable power transfer, the charging signal is transmitted either before a first predetermined time relative to the start of the first control signal or after a second predetermined time from the start of the first control signal. This timing control prevents interference between the charging and control signals, improving power transfer efficiency and reducing errors in signal transmission. The apparatus may also include a power supply for generating the charging signal and a detection circuit to identify the presence of a receiving device. The communication control circuitry dynamically adjusts the timing based on the detected device's requirements, ensuring compatibility with various receiving devices. This invention enhances wireless charging performance by coordinating the transmission of power and control signals in a manner that minimizes conflicts and maximizes efficiency.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication control circuitry is further configured to control the communication circuitry to end the transmission of the first control signal and the transmission of the charging signal at approximately the same time.

Plain English Translation

A transmission apparatus is designed for wireless power transfer systems, particularly in scenarios where both power and control signals are transmitted to a receiving device. The apparatus includes communication circuitry for transmitting a first control signal and a charging signal to a receiving device. The communication control circuitry manages the timing of these transmissions to ensure efficient and synchronized operation. Specifically, the control circuitry is configured to terminate the transmission of the first control signal and the charging signal at approximately the same time. This synchronization prevents interference and ensures that the receiving device can properly interpret the control signal before power transmission ceases. The apparatus may also include additional circuitry for generating the charging signal, such as an oscillator or amplifier, and may incorporate modulation techniques to embed control data within the charging signal. The invention addresses challenges in wireless power systems where misaligned signal termination can lead to communication errors or inefficient power transfer. By coordinating the end of both signals, the apparatus improves reliability and performance in wireless charging applications.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a bias circuit configured to maintain a potential of the first signal line at a transmission apparatus side from a capacitance and at a predetermined potential, and enter a suspended state during a downtime of the transmission of the signal via the first signal line.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for signal transmission, particularly addressing challenges in maintaining signal integrity and power efficiency during transmission. The apparatus includes a bias circuit that regulates the potential of a first signal line at the transmission apparatus side. The bias circuit compensates for capacitance effects to maintain the signal line at a predetermined potential, ensuring stable signal transmission. During periods when signal transmission is inactive (downtime), the bias circuit enters a suspended state to conserve power. The apparatus may also include a signal transmission circuit that generates and transmits signals via the first signal line, and a control circuit that manages the timing and operation of the signal transmission. The bias circuit's ability to dynamically adjust the signal line potential and enter a low-power state during downtime improves both signal reliability and energy efficiency in transmission systems. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring precise signal control and power optimization, such as high-speed data transmission or communication systems.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first signal line is constituted of a pair of two signal lines, and the communication circuitry is further configured to transmit a differential signal via the first signal line.

Plain English Translation

A transmission apparatus is designed to improve signal integrity in high-speed data communication systems. The apparatus addresses the problem of signal degradation and interference in data transmission, particularly in environments where electromagnetic noise and crosstalk can disrupt signal quality. The apparatus includes a first signal line and communication circuitry that transmits data signals. To enhance performance, the first signal line is implemented as a pair of two signal lines, forming a differential signaling configuration. The communication circuitry is configured to transmit a differential signal via this paired signal line, which helps mitigate noise and interference by canceling out common-mode disturbances. Differential signaling improves signal-to-noise ratio and ensures reliable data transmission over longer distances or in noisy environments. The apparatus may also include additional signal lines and circuitry for further signal processing, such as amplification, filtering, or error correction, to maintain data integrity. This design is particularly useful in high-speed communication systems, such as serial data links, where maintaining signal quality is critical. The use of differential signaling reduces susceptibility to external interference and enhances overall system robustness.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication control circuitry is further configured to control the communication circuitry to transmit a second transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus after the timing when the transmission of the first control signal is ended, and wherein the second transmission is within 0.5 microseconds after the timing when the transmission of the first control signal is ended.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to transmission apparatuses used in communication systems, particularly for controlling signal transmission timing to improve synchronization and reduce latency. The problem addressed is ensuring precise timing between a transmission apparatus and a reception apparatus, especially in high-speed communication systems where delays can degrade performance. The transmission apparatus includes communication circuitry for transmitting signals and reception circuitry for receiving signals. Communication control circuitry manages the transmission process. The apparatus is configured to transmit a first control signal to the reception apparatus, followed by a second transmission of a signal within 0.5 microseconds after the first control signal transmission ends. This tight timing constraint ensures minimal delay between control signaling and data transmission, improving synchronization and reducing latency in the communication system. The communication control circuitry coordinates the timing of these transmissions, ensuring the second transmission occurs promptly after the first control signal is sent. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring rapid response times, such as high-frequency trading, real-time data processing, or synchronized communication networks. By maintaining precise timing between control signals and data transmissions, the apparatus enhances system efficiency and reliability.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. A transmission method, the method comprising: determining, with a communication control circuitry, whether a transmission of a signal from a communication circuitry to a reception apparatus via a first signal line will be restored to an active state from a suspended state; responsive to determining the transmission of the signal from the communication circuitry to the reception apparatus will be restored to the active state from the suspended state, controlling, with the communication control circuitry, the communication circuitry to transmit a predetermined control signal via a second signal line; and controlling, with the communication control circuitry, the communication circuitry to transmit a charging signal that charges an AC coupling capacitance serially connected to the first signal line via the first signal line before a timing when the transmission of the predetermined control signal is ended.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to communication systems where signal transmission is suspended and later restored, particularly in systems using AC coupling. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable signal transmission when resuming from a suspended state, especially in systems where AC coupling capacitors may discharge over time, leading to signal integrity issues. The method involves a communication control circuitry that monitors the transmission state of a signal sent from a communication circuitry to a reception apparatus via a first signal line. When the system detects that transmission will resume from a suspended state, the communication control circuitry triggers the communication circuitry to send a predetermined control signal via a second signal line. Additionally, before the control signal transmission ends, the communication circuitry sends a charging signal through the first signal line to recharge an AC coupling capacitor connected in series with it. This ensures the capacitor maintains sufficient charge to support proper signal transmission when the system resumes active operation. The approach prevents signal degradation due to capacitor discharge during suspension, improving reliability in communication systems that periodically suspend and resume transmission. The method is particularly useful in applications where power efficiency or noise reduction requires intermittent signal suspension.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. A communication system, comprising: a transmission apparatus; and a reception apparatus connected to the transmission apparatus via a first signal line and a second signal line and AC-coupled to the transmission apparatus via the first signal line, the transmission apparatus including a communication unit that transmits a signal via a first signal line and a second signal line to the reception apparatus, and a communication control unit that controls transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus, the communication control unit controlling such that a first control signal is transmitted via the second signal line in a case where a transmission of the signal via the first signal line is restored from a suspended state, and that a transmission of a charging signal that charges an AC coupling capacitance serially connected to the first signal line via the first signal line is started before a timing when the transmission of the first control signal is ended.

Plain English Translation

This communication system addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable signal transmission in AC-coupled communication links, particularly when recovering from a suspended state. The system includes a transmission apparatus and a reception apparatus connected via two signal lines, with the first signal line being AC-coupled. The transmission apparatus features a communication unit that sends signals to the reception apparatus over both signal lines and a communication control unit that manages signal transmission. When restoring transmission from a suspended state, the control unit ensures a first control signal is sent via the second signal line. Additionally, it initiates a charging signal transmission over the first signal line before the first control signal ends, to charge the AC coupling capacitance connected in series with the first signal line. This ensures proper signal integrity and synchronization during recovery, preventing data loss or corruption. The system optimizes communication reliability in AC-coupled environments by coordinating signal timing and charging operations.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The transmission apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the communication control unit is further configured to control the communication unit to transmit a second control signal via the first signal line before the communication control unit controls the communication unit to suspend the transmission of the signal via the first signal line.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to transmission apparatuses used in communication systems, particularly for managing signal transmission and control in a network. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently control signal transmission and suspension in a communication system to prevent data loss or corruption during transitions. The apparatus includes a communication unit for transmitting signals via a first signal line and a communication control unit for managing these transmissions. The communication control unit is configured to transmit a second control signal via the first signal line before suspending signal transmission. This ensures that receiving devices are properly notified of the impending suspension, allowing them to prepare or take appropriate actions. The second control signal may include synchronization or status information to facilitate smooth transitions. The apparatus may also include a power supply unit to provide power to the communication unit and a signal processing unit to process signals before transmission. The invention aims to improve communication reliability and reduce errors during signal suspension in networked systems.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The transmission apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus is in accordance with an Embedded DisplayPort standard, the first control signal is an AUX_PHY_WAKE signal, and the second control signal is one of an ML_PHY_SLEEP signal or an ML_PHY_STANDBY signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for communicating with a reception apparatus, particularly in the context of display interfaces. The apparatus includes a signal transmission unit that sends a signal to the reception apparatus and a control unit that generates first and second control signals to manage power states. The first control signal activates a physical layer interface, while the second control signal transitions the interface to a low-power state, such as sleep or standby. The transmission occurs in accordance with the Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) standard, where the first control signal is an AUX_PHY_WAKE signal, and the second control signal is either an ML_PHY_SLEEP or ML_PHY_STANDBY signal. The apparatus may also include a power supply unit that adjusts power to the signal transmission unit based on the control signals, ensuring efficient power management. The invention addresses the need for optimized power control in display interfaces, particularly in portable or battery-powered devices, by dynamically adjusting power states to reduce energy consumption while maintaining signal integrity. The control unit may also generate a third control signal to transition the interface to an active state, further enhancing power efficiency.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The transmission apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the communication control unit is further configured to control the communication unit to transmit the first control signal and the charging signal at approximately the same time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for wireless power transfer, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently coordinating power transmission and control signaling in wireless charging systems. The apparatus includes a communication unit for transmitting and receiving signals, a power transmission unit for generating and transmitting a charging signal, and a communication control unit for managing signal transmission. The communication control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit a first control signal and the charging signal at approximately the same time, enabling synchronized communication and power delivery. This synchronization improves efficiency by reducing latency and ensuring that control instructions are transmitted concurrently with power, minimizing delays in adjusting charging parameters. The apparatus may also include a power supply unit to provide power to the communication unit and the power transmission unit, ensuring stable operation. The invention is particularly useful in wireless charging systems where precise timing between control signals and power transmission is critical for optimal performance. By integrating these functions, the apparatus enhances the reliability and responsiveness of wireless charging systems, particularly in environments where rapid adjustments to power delivery are required.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The transmission apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the communication control unit is further configured to control the communication unit to transmit the charging signal before a first predetermined time to a start the transmission of the first control signal or after a second predetermined time from the start of the transmission of the first control signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for wireless power transfer, specifically addressing the timing of charging signal transmission to optimize power delivery efficiency. The apparatus includes a communication control unit and a communication unit that transmits a charging signal to a receiving device. The key innovation involves controlling the timing of the charging signal transmission relative to the transmission of a first control signal, which may be used for synchronization or power level adjustment. The communication control unit ensures the charging signal is transmitted either before a first predetermined time relative to the start of the first control signal or after a second predetermined time from that start. This timing control prevents interference between the charging signal and the control signal, ensuring stable power transfer and efficient communication. The apparatus may also include a power transmission unit that generates the charging signal based on power received from a power supply, and a detection unit that identifies the presence of a receiving device. The communication unit may use different communication protocols, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Zigbee, to transmit the control signal. The invention improves wireless charging reliability by coordinating signal transmission timing, reducing disruptions and enhancing power transfer efficiency.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The transmission apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the communication control unit is further configured to control the communication unit to end the transmission of the first control signal and the transmission of the charging signal at approximately the same time.

Plain English Translation

A transmission apparatus is designed to manage wireless power transmission, particularly in systems where a control signal and a charging signal are transmitted to a receiving device. The apparatus includes a communication unit that transmits a first control signal to establish or maintain communication with the receiving device, and a power transmission unit that transmits a charging signal to wirelessly charge the receiving device. The communication control unit regulates the timing of these transmissions to ensure efficient and synchronized operation. Specifically, the communication control unit is configured to terminate the transmission of the first control signal and the charging signal at approximately the same time, preventing misalignment that could disrupt communication or charging. This synchronization improves reliability by avoiding interference or signal conflicts during the power transfer process. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as a second control signal for adjusting transmission parameters or a detection unit to monitor the receiving device's status. The overall system ensures stable wireless power delivery while maintaining communication integrity.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The transmission apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising: a bias circuit configured to maintain a potential of the first signal line at a transmission apparatus side from a capacitance and at a predetermined potential, and enter a suspended state during a downtime of the transmission of the signal via the first signal line.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for signal transmission, particularly addressing issues in maintaining signal integrity and power efficiency during signal transmission. The apparatus includes a bias circuit that regulates the potential of a first signal line at the transmission side to compensate for capacitance effects, ensuring stable signal transmission. The bias circuit maintains the signal line at a predetermined potential during active transmission and enters a suspended state during downtime to conserve power. The apparatus also includes a signal transmission circuit that generates and transmits signals via the first signal line, and a control circuit that manages the operation of the bias circuit and signal transmission circuit. The control circuit may adjust the bias circuit's operation based on transmission conditions, such as signal type or line characteristics, to optimize performance. The bias circuit's suspended state during downtime reduces unnecessary power consumption while maintaining readiness for subsequent transmissions. This design improves signal reliability and energy efficiency in transmission systems.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The transmission apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the first signal line is constituted of a pair of two signal lines, and the communication unit is further configured to transmit a differential signal via the first signal line.

Plain English Translation

A transmission apparatus is designed to facilitate high-speed data communication between devices, particularly in environments where signal integrity and noise immunity are critical. The apparatus includes a communication unit that transmits signals over a first signal line. To enhance signal quality and reduce susceptibility to interference, the first signal line is implemented as a pair of two signal lines, allowing the communication unit to transmit a differential signal. Differential signaling improves noise rejection by transmitting complementary signals on the two lines, where the difference between the signals represents the transmitted data. This configuration is particularly useful in applications requiring robust data transmission, such as high-speed interconnects in computing systems, automotive networks, or industrial control systems. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as error detection or correction mechanisms, to further ensure reliable communication. By using differential signaling, the transmission apparatus achieves better performance in noisy environments compared to single-ended signaling methods.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The transmission apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the communication control unit is further configured to control the communication unit to transmit a second transmission of the signal to the reception apparatus after the timing when the transmission of the first control signal is ended, and wherein the second transmission is within 0.5 microseconds after the timing when the transmission of the first control signal is ended.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus for high-speed data communication, particularly in systems requiring precise timing control. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable signal transmission with minimal latency, especially in scenarios where multiple control signals and data transmissions must be synchronized within tight time constraints. The transmission apparatus includes a communication control unit and a communication unit. The communication control unit manages the timing and sequence of signal transmissions. The communication unit handles the actual transmission of signals to a reception apparatus. The apparatus is designed to transmit a first control signal, followed by a second transmission of a signal within a very short time window—specifically, within 0.5 microseconds after the first control signal transmission ends. This tight timing constraint ensures synchronization and reduces latency in communication systems where precise coordination between control signals and data transmissions is critical. The invention improves upon prior systems by enforcing strict timing boundaries, preventing signal collisions and ensuring that the reception apparatus can accurately interpret the transmitted data. This is particularly useful in applications such as high-frequency trading, real-time data processing, or any system where microsecond-level timing accuracy is essential. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as error detection and correction mechanisms, to further enhance reliability. The overall design focuses on minimizing delays while maintaining synchronization, making it suitable for high-performance communication environments.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

October 29, 2019

Inventors

Kentaro Nakahara
Hideyuki Matsumoto

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TRANSMISSION APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND TRANSMISSION METHOD